There’s a lot going on behind the scenes at Navistar these days.
The priority is still transitioning from an exhaust gas recirculation-only approach for meeting emissions regulations to a full selective catalytic reduction integration throughout its product line. But there’s other product refinement taking place, says Steve Gilligan, vice president of product and vocational marketing.
As evidence, he pointed out the advanced aerodynamic refinements and the transmissions on the two ProStar test trucks I had come to evaluate at International’s Melrose Park Test Center and Engine Plant, west of Chicago, earlier this year.
Gilligan said automated transmissions are being ordered on almost 30 percent of new International trucks. For some truck manufacturers, it’s approaching 50 percent, he said – another strong indication that the days of manual gearboxes may be numbered.
Moreover, he noted that a revived relationship with Cummins has allowed International to take a leadership role with the Cummins-Eaton SmartAdvantage integrated drivetrain. Gilligan hinted that International was working with Eaton to develop a new integrated drivetrain with its proprietary MaxxForce 13-liter engine.
“The improvement in average fuel economy is undeniable,” Gilligan said. “Because as good as automated manual transmissions are by themselves in terms of driver comfort and safety, we know they’re also a key enabler for reaching higher levels of average fuel efficiency in heavy-duty trucks. I think we’re rapidly approaching the point where 8 or even 9 mpg will become the new industry baseline for fuel economy, and integrated drivetrains are absolutely vital for attaining and maintaining those numbers. International intends to achieve this integration through close partnerships with our component supplier partners.”
In addition to the Cummins-Eaton drivetrain, I also would be evaluating Allison’s new TC10, a fully automatic transmission featuring a torque converter instead of an electronically actuated clutch. Gilligan said Allison designed the TC10 to compete with the new wave of AMTs.
